Participants in this year’s North Georgia Art Ramble include, front row from left, Ann Bailey and Julie Boone and, back row, Kevin Bailey and David Boone. About 40 studios and locations are participating this year in the self-guided tour. In addition to seeing many of these artists at work and having the opportunity to talk with them, Boone said organizers are looking at this event as a fun kickoff for the Christmas buying season. “Guests on the tour will be able to purchase fine, handmade creations by these artists as holiday gifts,” she said. The idea of the Ramble originated with a group of North Georgia artists who wanted to create an art “trail” of north Georgia galleries and home studios that people could visit and purchase handmade gifts, Boone said.

Wildcat on a Wing in Ball Ground is one of 40 studios and galleries that will be open to the public as part of the second North Georgia Art Ramble, a free self-guided tour Dec. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More than 40 artists are opening their studios and showing their art in the second North Georgia Art Ramble.

The event, which is free, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8.

Julie Boone, owner of Wildcat on a Wing, north Georgia’s gallery of fine American crafts in Ball Ground which is on the list of locations participating, said those attending are allowed to visit on their own time and using their own transportation, more than 40 artist studios or galleries.

In addition to seeing many of these artists at work and having the opportunity to talk with them, Boone said organizers are looking at this event as a fun kickoff for the Christmas buying season.

“Guests on the tour will be able to purchase fine, handmade creations by these artists as holiday gifts,” she said.

The idea of the Ramble originated with a group of North Georgia artists who wanted to create an art “trail” of north Georgia galleries and home studios that people could visit and purchase handmade gifts, Boone said.

“The Ramble was a huge success last year for our guests and artists and, as a result, we have added 10 more artists who wanted to be included this year,” she said.

The tour showcases a variety of art forms from the functional to the whimsical and the abstract.

The locations on the tour cover a wide area of North Georgia including Canton, Cumming, Roswell, Woodstock, Cartersville, Calhoun, Jasper and Blue Ridge.

Those participating can start “rambling” from any of the North Georgia Art Ramble locations.

Several special events are planned as part of the event.

The Photo Factory and Studio in Woodstock will have local photographers and artists Kim Bates, Bob Moffa and Bob Schmiedt displaying/selling their photography and art at the studio during the Art Ramble. The photographers specialize in various aspects of photography.

A photographer will be available to take professional headshots or portraits of people stopping by the studio for $75 per 15 minute session. The session will include one print up to 8 by 12. Additional prints and/or the digital file can be purchased for $35 for each print.

The studio is at 195 Stockwood Drive, Suite 100, in Woodstock. For more information, call (678) 402-8780.

Hobgood, who teaches watercolor at the Cherokee Arts Center, will show her award-winning watercolors, including florals, landscapes and figures.

Her studio is at 913 Tara Lane in Canton. For more on Hobgood, visit www.ellyhobgood.com.

Sharp Mountain Vineyard in Jasper will be serving gourmet finger foods, and homemade soup or chili in the Tasting Room throughout the weekend event. Samples will be offered and other food will be available for sale.

The vineyard established in 1995 and will offer winemaking, tasting and tours.

“Since we are not the typical ‘art’ venue, we want to promote our participation as a little something different, which is the art of making wine,” said owner Ron Rathgeb.

The winery is located at 110 Rathgeb Trail in Jasper. For more information, visit www.sharpmountainvineyards.com.

The Pre-Ramble Party will be at the Cherokee Arts Center on Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For additional information on the party or the Art Ramble, call (770) 704-6244 or visit ngartramble.com.

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